We're trying to conquer the Wild West, again. Driven by a pioneering spirit, technological advancements, and help from the federal government, settlers developed the West in search of wealth and new ways of life. This well-worn story also sounds like the plot of our modern Western tale - new technologies are expanding the development of the Western United States power grid to tap vast renewable energy resources and get them to market. What's at stake? Land rights, new wealth opportunities, and potentially a new energy future.   Read More...

During the American wind industry's annual convention this week, two of the boldest proposals for the future of renewable industry didn't involve bigger or better turbines. They're instead focusing on the comparatively unsexy issue of America's creaking electricity grid.   Read More...

The pioneering Tres Amigas Superstation project in New Mexico, USA, will utilize superconducting HVDC 'pipelines' and voltage converter stations to connect three independent US power grids: the Western, Eastern, and Texas Interconnections. Phillip G. Harris, chairman and CEO of Tres Amigas LLC, details perhaps the most exciting T&D project in the world.   Read More...

April 8, 2011 edition
by Technology Editor, Darius Snieckus
Linking America's patchwork of grids spells good news for producers of renewable energy.   Read More...

The U.S. is blessed with abundant renewable energy, from wind in west Texas to sunlight in the western deserts. And the nation is rapidly putting that clean energy to work. Although most forecasts project annual load growth of only 1 percent for the foreseeable future, renewable power's share of net generation is projected to double by 2035.   Read More...

Just over a year ago, Phil Harris, CEO of Tres Amigas LLC outlined his concept to build the Tres Amigas "SuperStation" to link the three power grids of the US and create the nation's first renewable energy market hub. Since the project's announcement,   Read More...